Wellness Core Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe With Wholesome Grains For Small Breed Dogs Review

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Review of Wellness Core Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe With Wholesome Grains For Small Breed Dogs

According to our data, this Wellness recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for the maintenance of adult dogs. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Wellness Core Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe With Wholesome Grains For Small Breed Dogs is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for the maintenance of adult dogs.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Wellness Core Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe With Wholesome Grains For Small Breed Dogs, we'll examine all 65 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Chicken is a lean, easily digestible source of protein that provides essential nutrients for your dog's growth and maintenance. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  3. Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.

  4. Brown rice is a whole grain that provides an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients for your dog. The fiber content can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy weight, while the carbohydrates provide energy for an active lifestyle.

  5. Oat groats provide a wholesome source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to healthy digestion and overall well-being in your dog.

  6. Barley is a nutritious, fiber-rich grain that helps promote healthy digestion and provides essential nutrients for your dog's overall health. It is also a great source of energy, vitamins, and minerals.

  7. Dried plain beet pulp is a source of dietary fiber that can help support your dog's digestive health, promote regular bowel movements, and aid in nutrient absorption.

  8. Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients, which can support your dog's skin, coat, and digestive health.

  9. Chicken fat is a highly palatable source of energy, providing essential fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting your dog's immune system.

  10. Pumpkin is a nutritious and fiber-rich ingredient that can help support your dog's digestive health. Its high fiber content can aid in maintaining a healthy weight and promoting regular bowel movements.

  11. Dried brewers yeast is a natural source of B vitamins and amino acids, which can help support your dog's skin, coat, and overall health.

  12. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  13. Natural chicken flavor is a dog food ingredient used to enhance the taste and aroma of the product, making it more appealing to your pet. It is derived from real chicken and does not contain any artificial additives or chemicals. This natural flavoring helps encourage your dog to eat and enjoy their meals.

  14. Salmon oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which support your dog's skin and coat health, immune system, and cognitive function.

  15. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  16. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  17. Inulin is a natural prebiotic fiber that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in your dog's gut, promoting digestive health and overall immune function.

  18. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  19. Hydrolyzed yeast is used as a flavor enhancer in dog food. It can also support a healthy immune system and aid digestion due to the presence of beta-glucans.

  20. Taurine is an essential amino acid that supports heart health, vision, and development and function of skeletal muscle.

  21. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  22. Papaya is a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that can promote overall health in dogs. It supports a healthy immune system, digestive health, and provides antioxidants to protect against cellular damage.

  23. Blueberry is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which can help support your dog's immune system and overall health.

  24. Pomegranate is a powerful antioxidant-rich fruit that can help support your dog's immune system, heart health, and overall well-being.

  25. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  26. Mixed tocopherols are natural antioxidants used to preserve the freshness of dog food, ensuring your pet receives the highest quality nutrients possible.

  27. Zinc sulfate is a source of the essential mineral zinc, which supports your dog's immune system, skin and coat health, and overall growth and development.

  28. Calcium carbonate is a valuable source of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth, and for supporting proper muscle function in your dog.

  29. Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, is essential for a dog's metabolism and energy production, and supports healthy skin and coat.

  30. Ferrous sulfate is an important source of iron for dogs, a mineral essential for red blood cell production, oxygen transportation, and overall vitality. Adequate iron intake supports your dog's immune system and energy levels.

  31. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  32. Yucca schidigera extract is a natural ingredient known for its ability to reduce unpleasant odors in your dog's waste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support joint health and overall well-being.

  33. Ground cinnamon is a natural spice that can help support digestion and provide antioxidants for your dog's overall health.

  34. Ground fennel is a natural herb that can provide flavor and potential digestive benefits for your dog. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and calcium, and can contribute to overall health.

  35. Ground peppermint is an aromatic herb that not only adds a fresh flavor to your dog's food but also offers digestive benefits. Peppermint has been known to help soothe upset stomachs, support healthy digestion, and freshen your dog's breath.

  36. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  37. Copper sulfate is an essential trace mineral that supports various bodily functions in dogs, including immune system health, skin and coat maintenance, and red blood cell production.

  38. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  39. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  40. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  41. Manganese sulfate is a source of manganese, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, joints, and metabolism in dogs. It also supports the production of collagen, which is vital for healthy skin, coat, and connective tissues.

  42. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  43. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  44. Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic ingredient used in dog food. It helps support a healthy digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This probiotic also aids in nutrient absorption and can improve your dog's overall immune system function.

  45. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  46. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system and helps reduce inflammation.

  47. Riboflavin, also known as Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production, cell function, and fat metabolism in your dog's body.

  48. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.

  49. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  50. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  51. Dried lactobacillus delbrueckii fermentation product is a probiotic that can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome in dogs, supporting digestive health.

  52. Dried Streptococcus thermophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that supports your dog's digestive health by maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. It aids in nutrient absorption, promotes regular bowel movements, and contributes to a strong immune system.

  53. Calcium iodate is a source of iodine, an essential trace mineral that supports your dog's thyroid function and overall metabolism. It helps maintain proper hormone production and is crucial for overall health and well-being.

  54. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  55. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  56. Dried bacillus licheniformis fermentation product is a probiotic that aids in maintaining a healthy gut flora, promoting better digestion and immune system health in dogs.

  57. The dried bacillus subtilis fermentation product is a beneficial probiotic that supports digestive health in dogs. It helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, promoting overall well-being and immune function.

  58. The dried aspergillus oryzae fermentation product is a source of enzymes that assist in the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, promoting efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.

  59. Dried Trichoderma Reesei Fermentation Product aids in the digestion of fibers, promoting a healthy gut in your dog.

  60. Dried Rhizopus oryzae fermentation product is a source of digestive enzymes that can help break down nutrients in your dog's food, making them more easily absorbed. This ingredient can support your dog's digestive health and nutrient utilization.

  61. Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product is a probiotic that can aid in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your dog's gut, supporting overall digestive health.

  62. Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria in your dog, promoting optimal digestion and immune system function.

  63. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

  64. Green tea extract contains antioxidants that help protect your dog's cells from damage and support overall health.

  65. Spearmint extract provides a natural and refreshing flavor to dog food, as well as offering potential digestive and oral health benefits for dogs.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) of 34.00%: The high crude protein content is primarily attributed to the first three ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. Chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated sources of protein because they are rendered products with moisture and fat removed, which makes them richer in protein compared to fresh chicken. These animal-based ingredients are essential for providing the amino acids necessary for the growth, maintenance, and overall health of small breed dogs.

Crude Fat (min) of 14.00%: The crude fat content is likely to come from the chicken fat, deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and to a lesser extent, flaxseed and salmon oil. Chicken fat is a high-quality source of essential fatty acids and is highly palatable for dogs. Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for skin and coat health. Flaxseed also provides some fat, including omega-3 fatty acids, although it is not as bioavailable to dogs as the fats from animal sources.

Crude Fiber (max) of 4.00%: The crude fiber content is relatively moderate and is provided by ingredients such as brown rice, oat groats, barley, and dried plain beet pulp. These ingredients are sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which contribute to digestive health by supporting healthy bowel movements and feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Calories of 3721.00 per kg: The caloric content is a combined result of the macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The high protein and fat levels, especially from the chicken and turkey meals and chicken fat, contribute significantly to the calorie density of the food. The carbohydrates from brown rice, oat groats, and barley also contribute to the overall caloric content, though to a lesser extent than fats and proteins.

Review of Affordability

According to our data, Wellness Core Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe With Wholesome Grains For Small Breed Dogs costs approximately $3.95 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your dog.

Adult WeightAdult
5 lbs $22.73
10 lbs $38.23
15 lbs $51.81
20 lbs $64.29
30 lbs $87.14

Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.

Summary of Customer Reviews

Customers with small breed dogs are expressing high satisfaction with the Wellness Core Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe. Many have noted that their dogs, which include Westies, Chihuahuas, and Min Pins, have shown a preference for this food over others, including senior and previous brands. The food has been praised for its ability to ease digestive issues and is appreciated for its high-quality ingredients and the inclusion of probiotics.

Several pet owners have observed health improvements in their dogs after switching to this food, such as better digestion, reduced vomiting, and less smelly breath and eye discharge. The food's ability to produce healthy stools and alleviate issues like hard poop has also been positively mentioned. Additionally, owners have noticed softer and silkier coats in their pets, indicating overall improved well-being.

Despite the numerous positive reviews, some customers have raised concerns about the food being crumbly, resulting in a significant amount of powder in the bag. This has caused some dissatisfaction, as they feel it leads to waste and does not justify the higher price point. However, these concerns are often offset by the health benefits observed in their dogs. A few dogs did not take well to the food, with reports of soft stools or a lack of interest in eating it, but these instances appear to be less common.